Gardening........Rose Gardens, doggies, birdies, butterflies and morning coffee.

Right in front of Gram Daddy's rocker, a beautiful dame d 'cour (sp)

Ten months into this back yard garden deal what we've learned is that it's not the plantings nor the effort but the effect the results have on those who visit. The area behind our house has gone from a half sunny, half shady grassy lawn to something almost animate. It's as if by adding all the pretty plants we have created a living breathing entity. 

The view from Gram's Chair

This summer I learned the importance of protecting and maintaining those planted in the more pleasant times. Who knew ? The plants need help dealing with the heat. Here in San Antonio we average daily highs of 100 plus temps for weeks if not months at a time. I had to learn plants are stressed as much as people during extreme heat. If I think it's too hot to work in the garden I probably need to be trying to  lower the stress level for the plants. My approach has been to feed, water and mulch heavily. I wish I knew more to do for them.

Little Miss Molly Boykin Boykin (Little Mollie)  and two of her three bears.

So far, I've only lost one rose. It was mid sized, October planted, climbing rose. Someone, doggie or critter, dug a hole under it's base exposing the roots to the 100 plus heat of several days. I should have seen it sooner. Discovered soon enough I could have covered them up, watered heavily and that might have been sufficient. But I'm not sure if it was doggie or critter. We have coons and possums who visit from time to time. Our fig trees are natural attractants for creatures large and small.

Bird bath and two baby Shrimp Plants in foreground.

Ten months into the project I find my most pleasant times in the garden are during my morning coffee/newspaper routine. Early each morning, I take the morning paper and a strong cup of joe to the patio, then plop down in "gramdaddy's" rocker and let my surroundings sink in. The news, the brightening of the light, the morning's moist air, the coffee and the critter's morning ballet. 

Cross View of yard with 10 mo. old roses on fence in background

The latest projects, after the roses, have been efforts to fill in the shady half of the back yard. I am having to learn about plants that not only revel in shade but blossom as well. Why blossom ? Because San Antonio is on the butterfly super highway migration path from wherever they come from in North America down to some place in Mexico where they winter. 

Two raised bed incubation planters built from limestone block bedrock right under the grass, problem.

I don't know diddly about plants, much less which ones like shade and which ones attract butterflies and or hummingbirds. When I go to Millbergers or my favorite advisors the now defunct Antique Rose Emporium I asked lots of questions. By learning what to plant and where to plant it, I am giving myself a present with each successful planting.

Caladium (sp) white pot, Mexican pot has a dietes which is supposed to supply little blooms for the hummingbirds.
Fern raised bed in background.

Every time I see the tiny little hummingbirds bouncing around the flowers, I get a kick. I love seeing all the different species use the bird baths. We have tons of Morning Doves as well as those big old goofy strange sounding black birds. Hell, I even like to see grackles splashing in the baths. 

Our brave Maxie Boy on guard.

When I first come out to the patio it is barely daylight. As I sit and sip the coffee, I can feel the sweet coolness of the early morning air. Soon the soft dove calls are interrupted by the excited chatter of a pair of squirrels. There are at least three pair living within 50 yards of my chair. As each pair wakes from their respective nests they begin their mornings with a rousing game of chase your partner. As the squirrels play canopy chase they wake the rest of their critter neighbors. 

The patio border with roses in sun and fern in shade. Learned that one the  hard way.

The next thing I know it's like I'm sitting in the middle of a scene from Snow White. The butterflies come in onezies and twozies flitting around looking to see who's blooming today. 

 The summer heat is so oppressing the roses refuse to bloom. They are using all the water and food to just stay alive. They grew very well until the hot, hot summer hit. Now it's just hold onto what we have until fall.

Then come the birds, big birds, little birds, noisy birds, pretty birds and even the neighborhood hawk family visit from time to time. (much to the chagrin of the doves) The birdies are dropping in for a morning refresher of cool clear water for bath and drink.

Now don't think our three Boykin Spaniels take all these intrusions into their space lightly. No sirrreeee. Birds are to be chased from the water. Squirrels are to be caught and maimed  if possible. ( so far the bushy tails have won every race) But most importantly gramdaddy's yard must be protected from the evil doggies next door. When the neighbor's two cute little doggies come, tails a wagging, to the 10 yards of mutual wire fence, all hell breaks loose. Our fence fighting heroes show their stuff. 

A view of the back fence area. My supplier ran out of Pecan Mulch. I needed to protect the plants roots and moisture so started filling in grass clippings until mulch is available. Dead grass around edges is from using the unorganic but effective grass be gone to kill the damned stuff.

Day has come ! The subsequent riot breaks the peaceful demeanor of our quiet, gentle little morning. No matter their raucous behavior never fails to bring a smile. I think even the squirrels stop and cheer their favorite fence barker. For the uninitiated, doggie fence fighting is a favorite form of activity for neighboring territorial pooches. 

Here is the neighbor's terroizing terrier fence fighting agitator and a cute little doggie.

It is their way of getting to protect owners limb and property. Doggie fence gladiators stay in their own backyards but get to act super brave and run back and forth along communal fences while barking certain death. 

My Wisteria Tree project. Who knew you use a vine to make a tree ? My father did.

It never happens and all involved are relieved that is the case. (Tails wag both before and after the racket) I have included a few pictures of our vicious Boykin Spaniel Pack as well as the neighbor's chief agitator, a terrible terrier. (Name unknown)

Grass clippings might be ugly but they will keep down grass and weeds and eventually rot enough to feed these medium rush bushes.

So here we sit, the dogs and I, mornings with coffee and paper, evenings with limed iced tea and book. But mostly listening and watching to see who nature sends to see the us.

A setting. I tried to put something together here but not sure it worked. The plant in the Mexican pot is called a Dietes. 

These are great days to be alive and I have learned to appreciate that gift more and more as God's delivers beauty and serenity to our little garden.

Large climbing roses, spring planted, have not made progress due to heat. Lawn clippings and over running grass on the back fence. The jungle plant in the middle is supposed to be a split leaf philodendron but I'm not sure.

Who knew this would be the result of planting a few roses to cover the fences ? Sometimes the unintended consequences are for the best. Unless caused by government and the rule there is expect the worst and you will not be surprised.

Afraid the heat has slowed progress in our fern family as well. Should be getting plenty of water and shade. Just too damned much heat.

Please enjoy the progress pictures. I am using an amateur shirt pocket camera so excuse any foolish attempts at close ups, etc. I try to show the same areas of the yard as in previous blogs so you can tell what has or has not transpired since the last posting.

Two baby Trumpet Plants in the incubator.

Remember, I never promised a Rose Garden ! And, I never expected this double serving of tranquility. This deal is neat.

The little red blooms are on a plant called Turk's Cap. It is supposed to get to a small bush and attract lots of butterflies and hummingbirds. The broad leaf is a Trumpet plant.

Y'all take care and let me hear from you. This little post only goes to friends so don't be bashful.

The two baby plants in the two blue pots are Shrimp plants. Another attempt at bringing in the birds and the bees and the butterflies. If butter could fly why wouldn't it ?

John Boykin in San Antonio, Texas where:

Lots of caladiums if that is what they are. I love em' don't know if the birds and the bees do.

 "It's hot, damned hot !"

Jolie Bob Boykin Boykin, The Perfect Boykin

Here's a treat: suggested music of the day is:

           Clairy Brown and the Bangin Racketttes

Think Phil Spectre meets Phil Walden meets 

the Funk Brothers. Put a big old baritone sax 

                   on top and let it fly.

My Photography Web site is :    http://www.commimage.com